Jeremy Clarkson did not breach broadcasting rules by joking that striking workers "should be shot," a ruling by TV regular Ofcom has decided

Jeremy Clarkson did not breach broadcasting rules by joking that striking workers "should be shot."

Broadcast regulator Ofcom ruled the controversial star's comments on 'The One Show' - made about public sector workers who staged a walkout on November 30 last year - was not in breach of its rules and regulations as they "were not made seriously".

It further added the statement was "not at all likely to encourage members of the public to act on them in any way."

Jeremy's comment on the show, when asked what he thought about the industrial action, was: "I think they have been fantastic. Absolutely. London today has just been empty. Everybody stayed at home, you can whizz about, restaurants are empty."

"We have to balance this though, because this is the BBC. Frankly, I'd have them all shot. I would take them outside and execute them in front of their families."

The comment resulted in 31,000 complaints made directly to the BBC, and 736 to Ofcom.

Ofcom acknowledged the comments were "potentially offensive" but they were justified by the context.

Jeremy's opinions were condemned by union leaders and politicians, with Prime Minister David Cameron saying the 'Top Gear' host's reaction had been "silly".

Jeremy has long been known for making controversial statements, calling then Prime Minister Gordon Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot".